I wasn't sure what to expect when I stopped by Hickory BBQ for lunch on my way upstate; man oh man was I pleasantly surprised! Walked into a homey space with many booths on the sides for privacy, friendly service and a lively bar. My kind of scene. Apparently the chef knows what he's doing at this establishment! I love me some dry rub baby back ribs; the half rack I ordered was finger lickin' good! Very little fat, just lean delicious tender pork coated with a bit of glistening sauce. I chose to kick up my taste experience using the generous condiments on the table, combining the sweet BBQ sauce with hot mustard. Perfecto! Opted for house made slaw and baked beans as my sides, they were so flavorful. I loved that the slaw wasn't drowning in mayo, just enough to make it moist. Partner got a cheeseburger and fries, he said it was excellent. I pilfered a few of his fries and indeed they were fantastic - crispy,thin and fresh. Plenty of parking, friendly service, reasonable prices, generous portions. A real gem! read more

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This place gave me a good laugh. Many years ago I went to a diner, ordered a cup of chili and they brought me a cappuccino. When the waiter brought out the cup of chili I thought oh no not again! However it was the right thing. Was very meaty and hardy as well. The sourdough onion rings were excellent. Perfectly executed. The feast platter, well worth the price to try pretty much literally everything on the menu. It could probably feed 4 people. Did sit outside with the puppy, surprisingly enough had the entire outdoor section to ourselves. Waiter and staff were good about not forgetting their only outdoor diners. As far as NYS BBQ goes this place is great. Give it a try read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Hickory's Sourdough Onion Rings - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

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The Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse is a real treat, with food quality you simply can't get at the multitude of chain restaurants dominating the cuisine landscape. The food is meticulously made under the watchful eye of owner Steve Slutzky. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and fast! Full bar and great fountain root Bear. Highly recommended. My family eats there, takes out when we don't want to cook, and caters our family gatherings with them too. A real treasure in our area. read more

Was on my way home from a trip in the Catskills and was hungry. Saw this on the road and stopped by hoping there were good smash burgers and food. Wish i didn't see it. It was pretty mids. Waitress gave us recommendations and they weren't good. The brisket sandwich was ok but the burger was not. The mac and cheese was microwaved and dry. i'd skip. we don't finish the food and 3 servers/waiters came by different time asking if we need a to-go box and i politely declined. But they still game with to-go boxes it was weird like no means no bruh. anyways C+ cause the BBQ sauce was alright and although the wings flavor was so mids the wing quality chicken was fine read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Nice ambiance with rustic decorations. Service was excellent. Food was delicious and serviced quickly.

Came here after a long bike ride. What a great find! The bartender was truly the jack of all trades: he tended bar, took orders, served meals, made suggestions & was like a one-man show. Our lunches of smoked turkey sandwiches were sublime. They were big, filling, had great flavor & add-ons & the only negative for me was that the mac & cheese side order was dry, the top was burnt & I wished that I had ordered the french fries that my husband got. They were VERY good. Beers (local craft beer & standard, big-brand beer) hit the spot after our bumpy bike ride. Decor is all about every sport with memorabilia on baseball, hockey, football & more covering the walls. There are two dining spaces & space at the full bar. Add Hickory Smokehouse to your upstate sojourn. read more

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If you read my reviews thoroughly, then you'll know I don't eat poultry, beef, pork. Having said that, even though I'm not a BBQ eater, hubs loves his meat and, suggested we come here for lunch. He quickly backed it up and mentioned Hickory's Pescatarian and Vegetarian options. As if to appease me? Please don't ask me if this is traditional BBQ and their 'low and slow' methods- because I don't know and hubs much less. Yet for these neck of the woods, if you want BBQ things, Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse may be your paradise located on Rt 28 in Kingston, NY. Hubs had a sandwich of some kind back in Spring '24 when he filled me in on Hickory. Since then, I've had their Hush Puppies+Maple Butter in mind. Nothing is too matchy-matchy here. Expect a look that's old-fashioned, yet cozy, has a big enough bar up front as you walking in, several booths on left, dining room on right and the sports memorabilia, works well together with the entire feel. These hush puppies have a wonderful crunchy outside I always imagined, but I wasn't a fan of the cornmeal+flour ratio. Maybe more cornmeal would've made these the highlight. My blackened smoked catfish sounded divine- but I called these folks a bluff and the 'blackened' seasoning on my fish, was hot as hell and couldn't tolerate it. My two veggie sides of garlicky squash+zucchini and sweet potato fries though, were excellent! Hubs, enjoyed his brisket- maybe too many smothered onions for his liking, but he enjoyed it. Service was great from the gals and prices, phenomenal. read more

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This place is a true American Bar B Q restaurant. People at the bar getting tipsy. The food and service is exceptional. You must try the dry rub ribs . Delicious, plentiful and the price is reasonable. Great menu selection. Special Pork steak/chop with country gravy is excellent. The 12 different sides are varied, good and you choose 2 with meal . Coconut custard pie for dessert. Service is friendly and caring. An absolute must. read more

My coworkers picked this spot to break bread and open up conversation for my first day on the job. The service was decent but the food took forever to come out. It was only four of us and when we got the there it wasn't really busy but I could be wrong. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich that was a bit on the cold side and ok in taste. I didn't get really any smoke flavor but there was a decent amount of meat. My coworker got the fried chicken poboy which actually looked pretty good. By the looks of things there seem to be many places to eat by my job so I might just have to get used to this place. It wasn't bad and I would definitely go back! read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Pulled pork Hickory 's Barbecue Sandwich - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Love the family service and casual vibe. The food was plentiful as well. The best part of our meal was the hush puppies with maple butter for appetizer. They were hot and tasty. My husband felt the meat was less fatty than other bbq we've had which was also good. I found the chicken to lack flavor; the ribs were better. The bbq beans were missing something in flavor and the fries are shoestrings which aren't as appetizing. read more

Food and service are outstanding! A laid back atmosphere prevails. Pulled pork is 5+ stars. My husband get almost every other week. Thursday night is fried chicken. Go for it!! Dining and take out by us for 15 years and loving it! read more

Wow, the ribs here are fantastic! Good hickory smoke flavor, not dry, and the service is friendly here. Get the hush puppies with maple butter. So good and plentiful. The portions for everything here are generous and pack lots of flavor. The brisket comes with caramelized onions on top of a slice of white bread. It was a small tweak to what I'm used to getting at bbq joints, and I think it was too offset some of the dryness of the brisket. Not bad, but the ribs left the best impression on me. Lots of flavor, meaty, not dry, and I kept going back for more. Didn't even need any sauce! The sides are great (greens!) and I left plenty full. The root beer is a must as well. Very unique flavor compared to the canned variety in stores. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Ribs and chicken - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Came here on a recommendation of a friend who has been coming here for years and truly a special place. While I wasn't starving, the idea of peanut butter and jelly wings piqued my interest. I loved this concept and was truly blown away by the pepper jelly and the peanut sauce. While I didn't like how many feathers were on the wings, I understand that this means they are fresh and you could tell. I tried some of the hushpuppies and brisket and they were really special as well - loved the flavor of the brisket! The sauces were so good with the smoked meats. I loved the hush puppies, they were stupendous! I also appreciated how our server razzed us a bit and made fun of our friend who took most of a salmon salad home. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - a plate of chicken wings and dipping sauce - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

Best weekday meal around! Big portions, delicious cocktails, great prices -- try the roasted potato salad! read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Spiced Coconut Dacquiri - frozen - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

The food was very good but took a really long time to get to me. I had the smoked brisket sandwich with slaw and it very good and very messy--a multi-napkin sandwich. It came with a huge pile of french fries which were very warm and crisp. Good draft beer choices supplemented by a variety of canned and bottled beers. Prices were reasonable. The Bar is dark wood and sports bar. Crossing Highway 28 entering and exiting the restaurant can be a challenge so be aware and careful. If the service was faster, this would be a five rating. read more

We will be using their catering for our wedding and we are so excited. This is the best BBQ food we've ever had! Amazing food, amazing sauces. 10/10! read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Hickory's "Starter Sampler" - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

We had Hickory BBQ Smokehouse cater my daughter's baby shower in Hopewell Junction, NY yesterday (June 1, 2025). First, Steve was amazing to deal with. Responded promptly to all my questions, nand concerns. The food arrived on time, steaming hot and was the most delicious BBQ I have had in the northeast! I would recommend them 100%. We had pulled pork, fried chicken wings, braised greens (southern style) mashed sweet potatoes, baked beans cornbread (which was so moist) and the biscuits. Wouldn't have changed a thing. Go dine with them or get catered. You will not be disappointed!!!! read more

After driving by for years finally stopped in. Food is very good bbq. Pleasant prompt staff. Casual place so we liked that too.

Just had the pleasure of using Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse to host a 40 person rehearsal dinner. Couldn't have been more pleased with the service and food. Everyone raved about the delicious food. The staff was prompt, professional and pleasant. Steve was easy to work with and I had no issues. I felt the prices were fair and reasonable which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - a table with food - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

I love this place! Just moved back to the area and finally got back to Hickory last night. I loved it before and it seems to have gotten even better. Everything I ordered was delicious!! Still the best ribs and garlic mashed I've ever had and the sauce! Soooo tasty!! I also had the collard greens. Yummy! The service was excellent as always...welcoming, friendly and relaxed. Just like l like it. Truly a gift to the Hudson Valley! Thank you!! read more

Great ribs and the selection of bbq sauces are very tasty. Service is solid and the room fits a bbq joint quite nicely. Only complaint was the brisket was reheated and lost most of the juicy succulent flavor, texture of a fresh brisket. read more

Fantastic ribs! Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area! Sides were pretty good too. Greens, beans, cole slaw and baked sweet potatoes were all legit. I was hoping to get some potato skins but did not see them on the menu. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Ribs - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

We stumbled upon Hickory on our way back from a hike. The interior is very country and classic bbq. We ordered the brisket entree and a combo entree with ribs. Both came with 2 sides. All of the food was absolutely delicious and not salty which I usually find with other bbq restaurants. We'd love to return read more

Great service and wonderful and friendly staff. I truly wished that the food was as good as the service. But unfortunately the food was horrible and inedible....flavorless and tough.... I ordered ribs, tips, wings and chicken and onion rings........I threw out the entire order. read more

Went for dinner with my wife and grandson. Waited for 45 minutes for appetizers that were under cooked,and fried in old cooking oil,sent them back. The same when we received the shrimp in a basket, terrible french fries were hard as a rock Unetible. My wife and grandson suffered stomach problems. read more

The catering is absolutely extraordinary. Highly recommended! Try the lamb lollipop chops.

We ordered hush puppies as an appetizer and they came out with uncooked centers. I had broken off half of one so when it went back into the kitchen there was a half of a hush puppy on the plate. When it came back the half hush puppy was still there and the hush puppies were overco. The cook obviously dropped them in the oil AGAIN! read more

Decent atmosphere great service large portions but everything was dry.....like dry dry! We got the big meat feast and it was dry, also the cheesecake we got was...guess it?! Dry! Recommend to go early in the day, the meat probably is less dry?! Btw the bartender picked the last slice of key lime 1 hour and half before the closing time and I really wanted a slice of lime pie. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

Excellent barbecue and drinks Our local go to spot. Also a great place to use for catering. They were fantastic for a pig roast and more! read more

Wonderful food. It's a must whenever we're upstate. Wings, chili, brisket, ribs mac n cheese are among my favs. Servers always makes us feel welcome. read more

Great BBQ. I love a good BBQ plate, and when we were visiting the area, we decided to check it out for dinner. This place lacks luster and outdated on the inside, but that quickly became irrelevant when the food arrived. I got a half a rack of ribs with sides of Mac and cheese and Mac salad. The combination of the rub and the smoking gave a punch of flavor. The Mac and cheese was crispy on top, and creamy below, but flavor was just ok. The Mac salad was refreshing, with nice texture. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

Delicious BBQ/Smoked place. My daughters had the homemade Mac n cheese with grilled veggies. Husband had the pulled pork sandwich. I had the blackened catfish. Everything was delicious. The catfish is a must try, seasoned spicy to perfection... so juicy inside. Everything was amazing! read more

I came here with my cousins while we were in the area for the weekend. We were able to get seated right away, which was great but the place was slammed so it took a while for us to get our drink and food orders in. Between the table, we ordered the calamari, the wings, the rib tips, the salmon platter, the brisket plate, the meat trio and the portobello sandwich. Everything was pretty good, except I heard that the brisket was a little dry and it took a while to get one of our plates as it seems the kitchen had forgotten about it. Otherwise, we had a good time, but I'm not sure I would come back. read more

First, I want to shout out to this restaurant for working with our walk-in group of 6 without a reservation. I will absolutely say that if we'd even thought about it or known ahead of time, we would have done so. Being from out of town, we just didn't think about it. Hickory BBQ went out of their way to work with us, seat us in a completely reasonable time, and ensure we had dinner in what was also an incredibly manageable timeframe. Second, the food is phenomenal! This may be the best BBQ I've had outside of Texas, and even better than most Texas restaurants. It is just that good. Honest. I'm not a big chicken eater, but what I did try off the platter was quite good. The rest (brisket, pulled pork, ribs!!, and sausage) was really well cooked and the flavor was awesome. I didn't find the slaw to be up to my standards, but if that is the extent of my criticism of the food, we're doing good here. Third, I will say that the BBQ sauce on the table is too sweet. Of course, it says that it is a "Sweet BBQ," so no lie there. I just found it too much for my taste. That said, there is nothing wrong with it in the least. Those that like a sweeter sauce will most likely love it. It just wasn't for me. The Carolina Mustard sauce (I think I got that right) was amazing. Great flavor! The Jalapeño sauce on the table is basically vinegar and jalapeños, and it tastes like it. Again, some may enjoy that, but it was just hot-for-the-sake-of-hot to me and not my thing. Finally, the service was second to none. I cannot reiterate how much our group appreciates the restaurant bending over backwards to serve us that evening. I can only hope that we all tipped extra to make up for it and the young man that was our waiter was appreciated properly for his attentive work with our table. I highly recommend this place. read more

Found this Place accidentally on our way to Cooperstown and thank god!!!! The BBQ is amazing!!! The waitress was a gorgeous Dominican lady and the best ever, seriously she's the best ever ... read more

Most amazing spareribs I've ever had! Perfect meal after a lengthy hike. Loved the relaxed ambiance and great service.

Literally the greatest wings in the history of the world. Try the PB&J wings. Seriously. I dream of these things. Nightly. The sticky tables and the occasional MAGA-ranting patrons aren't wonderful, but part of the experience I guess. (One dude took his mask off and said "CUOMO! Pffffft!" as we walked out. Good way to make a statement about an airborne disease by splattering saliva droplets into the atmosphere.) Good service though. Love the bar. And they very much are doing all they can to comply with COVID rules. read more

Second experience: waiter was AMAZING, food was alright. We got the super sampler, which was way too much for 2 people. The pepper jack fries were the best part (shoe string with cheese, seasoned), we got the Thai wings (garlicky, my husband LOVED them) and the sriracha ranch that came with them was good but seemed odd WITH the wings, the rib tips were pretty good, the onion rings had an odd sweetness that neither of us cared for, and the hush puppies were SO DRY. They came with maple butter, which was WAY too sweet for me but I had to keep putting it on the hush puppies because I couldn't choke them down without it. My husband ordered the prime rib, cooked perfectly and he said it was really good. The mac&cheese was good! I ordered the "starter special" Brunswick Stew (pulled pork, chicken, brisket and sausage over garlic mashed potatoes) as my meal, thinking "that sounds big and heavy, how could anyone eat anything after that?!" I was right. It was huge, I ate half. This should be on the menu full time! So the regular menu items we've ordered were okay, the specials have been AWESOME, and the wait staff was great. Our waiter was so friendly and helpful - he even brought my husband a glass of milk with the chocolate cake he ordered for dessert. read more

Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse - Garlic buffalo wings and Half order of Hickory Nachos - American Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Stopped for lunch on this overcast Saturday as we've been here before and food was good. Finding the table a little tacky had me a little worried. For some reason we both ordered the rib tips as our waitress assured us of how tender they were. Once they arrived, I wasn't able to break them apart with my fork or knife. After using a steak knife without much results our waitress offered us another option, which we jumped on. The quesadilla was great. Good size portion and very flavorful with a hint of spiciness that we both enjoy. Then came the key lime pie & coffee which didn't disappoint! Hence the four stars and not five. read more

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Average food. Poor service by bartender. Never asked how burger was (it was under cooked).